Marrying His Nemesis: Kicking My Scumbag Fiancé Away!-Chapter 163: Is the Baby Still There? (Part 1)
Sterling Tower.
Multi-purpose hall.
As Seraphina’s violin solo played, the final model gracefully walked onto the runway.
At the end, she raised her arms and struck a pose at the front of the runway.
"Very good!" Zoe Sterling clapped her hands in satisfaction, getting up from her chair, "Everyone did great, and thanks to the band as well. This marks the end of our final rehearsal; let’s head backstage, have some food and rest for a bit. The conference officially starts in an hour."
The models turned and headed backstage.
Seraphina also stood up with her violin, joining Claire Clayton and others as they headed to the rest area prepared specifically for the band by the organizers.
"Miss Thorne, here’s everyone’s dinner!"
A staff member brought boxed meals, and Seraphina quickly stood up to thank them, before she and Claire distributed the meals to everyone.
"Here you go, Seraphina!"
Claire took the last two boxes and handed one to Seraphina, passing her a bottle of mineral water as well. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮
Seraphina thanked her, taking the water.
Everyone eagerly opened their meal boxes, and the rest area was soon filled with the aroma of food.
As the scent of pan-fried shrimp hit her, Seraphina felt a wave of nausea.
Ever since getting pregnant, the smell of fried food was unbearable for her.
Not wanting to affect the others’ meals, she grabbed a pack of tissues and her water and left the rest area.
Exiting the multi-purpose hall, she found a corner near a window and sat down.
Seraphina unwrapped a piece of chocolate and put it in her mouth, gently pressing her uncomfortable stomach with her right hand.
The pregnancy symptoms were too intense; for days, she couldn’t keep anything down.
She could only use chocolate to maintain her blood sugar, to prevent fainting during the conference due to low sugar.
Not far away, Zoe Sterling returned from the office with a coffee in hand.
Noticing Seraphina sitting in the corner, she walked over.
"Miss Thorne?"
Seraphina stood up, "Is there something you need from me?"
"Not really, just saw you sitting alone and thought I’d come over." Zoe scanned her with a smile, "Why aren’t you eating? Doesn’t it suit your taste?"
"Of course not." Seraphina shook her head with a smile, "I’m just not very hungry yet."
"Then... may I sit and chat with you for a bit?"
"Certainly." Seraphina gestured with her right hand, "Please!"
Sitting on the lounge chair, Zoe took a sip of coffee.
"You’ve seen the jewelry we’re showcasing this time; what do you think?"
"It’s very fashionable and artistic. I really like the ’Dream Back to Dunhuang’ series; the gemstone color combinations are bold and beautiful! But of course..." Seraphina shrugged, "I’m no expert, just giving my opinion."
"I want to hear the impressions of non-experts. Thank you for liking my designs." Zoe gave her a grateful smile. "Actually... I’ve always been abroad before. This is my first conference in the country, and I’m not really sure about the domestic fashion and consumer tastes. Honestly, I’m a bit anxious."
"There’s no need for that; your pieces are beautiful and unique. I’m sure many people will love these pieces."
Zoe raised an eyebrow slightly, "You’re not just comforting me, are you?"
Seraphina waved her hands, "Absolutely not, I’m very serious."
Seeing her earnest and sincere expression, Zoe chuckled softly.
"Seraphina, you’re really a lovely girl." Her gaze fell to Seraphina’s hand, slightly surprised, "Oh, I remember... you were wearing a wedding ring yesterday, where is it?"
When the wedding ring was mentioned, Seraphina awkwardly pulled back her fingers.
"Oh... I didn’t wear it today."
Noticing her unusual expression, Zoe realized she might have asked a sensitive question.
"I’m sorry, I’m just sensitive to jewelry, not intentionally prying into your privacy."
"It’s okay." Seraphina smiled and shook her head, checking the time on her wrist, "It’s about time, I should head back and prepare everyone."
Zoe also stood up, "Let’s go, I’ll join you."
They walked together through the corridor, heading to the multi-purpose hall.
"Seraphina!"
From the hallway behind, Ethan Sterling’s voice called out.
Seraphina turned in surprise, but Ethan was already rushing over, grabbing her arm.
"Why didn’t you tell me?"
After learning about Seraphina’s pregnancy from Nathan Foster.
Ethan had rushed to the People’s Hospital, only to find Seraphina nowhere in the obstetrics and gynecology department.
He tried calling her several times, but she didn’t answer.
Fearing that she might have chosen another hospital for the procedure, Ethan searched several area hospitals, but couldn’t find her.
After exhausting all possible options, he finally came here on a hunch.
"Ethan?" Zoe, standing next to Seraphina, looked at Ethan with surprise, "You two... know each other?"
"I’ll explain later." Ethan pulled Seraphina aside to a less crowded part of the corridor, "Why would you keep something so important from me?"
Seraphina glanced around, pulling her arm back from him, "What are you talking about?"
"You..." Ethan raised his right hand, adjusting the tie that had skewed from his rushed sprint, "I’m the father of the child. Do I not even have the right to know?"
"You..." Seraphina looked down in a fluster, "How did you know?"
"That’s not important. What’s important is you... why would you hide something so major from me, you know I..."
Ethan reached out, holding her arm, his voice slightly trembling.
"Seraphina, tell me honestly, is the baby... still there?"
Seraphina bit her lip and nodded slightly.
After bumping into Chloe, she was so concerned about the secret getting out that she rushed off without feeling up to finding another hospital for the procedure.
Ethan wiped the sweat from his brow, taking a deep breath, his heart which had been in his throat finally settling.
Searching from morning until now, his heart had been hanging by a thread, fearing he was too late.
"Since you already know." Seraphina cleared her throat lightly, "Could you do me a favor?"
"Just say it, if I can do it." Ethan replied without hesitation.
"It’s actually quite simple, it’s not a big deal." Seraphina lifted her face, "When you’re available, could you go with me to the hospital? The doctor said that a painless abortion requires a family member’s signature, and right now, you’re my only family."
"Seraphina, listen to me." Ethan gripped her arm tightly, "I know I might sound unreasonable saying this, but let’s not divorce. Let’s keep the baby, alright?"
